Need to select a topic for my dissertation (economics)

I am quickly approaching the time when I am required to select a topic for my dissertation (in the field of economics).

My question is rather basic: Is it better to select a topic that is currently popular - but that I am not very interested in, or a topic that I really love but may be much more obscure and problematic to research? I can see the benefits of both, but I don't know if I could maintain my focus for the length of time required for a dissertation on a topic that does not interest me.

Thanks,

Nick

While you are correct that your question may appear to be basic, it is also one that has been troubling students for many years - or more accurately, decades. In fact, this question is one that must be answered 'correctly' by every graduate school student to avoid many hours of needless stress and disillusionment over the course of writing the dissertation.

However, there is one more issue that you also need to factor into your decision-making process: Is the topic I want to write my dissertation on truly unique? You may have a favorite segment of the field of economics that you would love to spend months and years developing, but would you be able to produce something original? At the same time, if a topic is currently very popular and has been written about in detail in recent years, would it even be possible to create unique research related to it?

I do not plan on leaving you thinking that I have attempted to answer your question with more questions, but you should actually select a topic on which you will be able to produce a genuine contribution to your chosen field. In reality, this will be far more important to you in the long run than whether or not you are in love with the subject of your dissertation. With this in mind, by the very wording of your question you may have actually answered your own question. If you are considering a topic that is rather obscure, whether or not you love it, that may be the direction you want to go since it may prove to be your best bet on finding an angle that is truly unique, original and interesting enough to elicit a favorable response from your advisor. The fact that you love this topic will be a bonus.

Good luck!!

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